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Catalytic C−H Bond Alkylation of Azoles with Alkyl Halides


Mediated by Nickel(II) Complexes of Phenanthridine-Based N^N−^N
Pincer Ligands
Pavan Mandapati, Jason D. Braun, Baldeep K. Sidhu, Gabrielle Wilson, and David E. Herbert*
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ABSTRACT: Ni(II) complexes supported by tridentate N^N−^N


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diarylamido pincer-type ligands have been demonstrated to act as


active catalysts in the carbon−carbon bond forming alkylation of
azoles using unactivated alkyl halides. Here, we show that
benzannulated phenanthridine-containing ligands can form homo-
geneous Ni(II) catalysts active with both benzoxazole and
benzothiazole substrates. These precatalysts have been fully
characterized in solution and the solid state, including by cyclic
voltammetry.

■ INTRODUCTION
The homogeneous catalytic conversion of C−H bonds to C−
C bonds mediated by coordination complexes of first-row
transition metals is of prime interest in the drive to increase
sustainability in chemical synthesis.1,2 First, direct functional-
ization of C−H bonds obviates the need for leaving groups
that can limit atom economy.3 Second, the use of first-row Figure 1. N^N−^N pincer-type ligand supported Ni complexes for the
metal catalysts reduces reliance on less abundant precious C−H alkylation of azoles (A, see ref 8; B, see ref 10; C, this work).
metals for transformations that add value to organic substrates
such as aromatic heterocycles.4 With respect to these widely
used synthetic building blocks, transition metal catalyzed C−H quinolinyl)amido donor set (B) exhibit greater temperature
alkylation reactions using alkyl halides with β-hydrogens can be stability and do not require a cocatalyst in the catalytic
challenging, as β-hydride elimination can lead to unproductive alkylation of benzothiazoles.10
side reactions.5 As a result, a relatively limited number of We recently described synthetic routes to tridentate,
examples of such cross-couplings have been reported, with N^N−^N diarylamido pincer-type ligands bearing benzannu-
palladium,6,7 nickel,8−11 and copper12−14 catalysts featuring lated phenanthridine (3,4-benzoquinoline) heterocyclic donor
most prominently. arms.15 Compared with (8-amino)quinolines, a relatively
Well-defined complexes of nickel supported by diarylamido broad range of 2-substituted (4-amino)phenanthridines can
N^N−^N pincer-type ligands, in particular, have been shown to be easily accessed via tandem cross-coupling/condensation
reactions using various 4-substituted anilines;16 accessing 6-
direct the alkylation of oxazoles and thiazoles using unactivated
substituted (8-amino)quinolines can require less tractable
alkyl halides (Figure 1).8,10 While Ni(II) complexes of bis(2-
Skraup reaction conditions.17 Moreover, in these benzannu-
(dimethylamino)phenyl)amido ligands (A) show excellent
lated pincer-type frameworks, the phenanthridinyl donor arm
catalytic activity, as reported by Hu and co-workers, addition
of a copper cocatalyst is necessary to achieve high yields.8
Moreover, decomposition of A was observed over time under Received: March 5, 2020
the high temperature reaction conditions, depositing nano-
particulate metal into the reaction mixture.8 Punji and co-
workers elaborated this scaffold into a more robust quinolinyl-
based pincer type analogue. The corresponding Ni chloride
complexes supported by a (2-(dimethylamino)phenyl)(8-

© XXXX American Chemical Society https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00161


A Organometallics XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX
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Scheme 1. Synthesis of (a) Phenanthridine Precursors, (b) Phenanthridine-Based N^N(H)^N Proligands and Nickel
Complexes, and (c) Methyl-Substituted Quinolinyl Analogues of B,10 Described in This Work

Figure 2. Solid-state structures of 3a−c shown with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability levels. Hydrogens other than H2 are omitted for clarity.
Selected bond distances (Å) and angles (deg) for 3a: C(1)−N(1) 1.3034(11), C(10)−N(2) 1.3957(10), C(15)−N(2) 1.4124(11), C(16)−N(3)
1.4168(12); C(10)−N(2)−C(15) 122.64(7), C(9)−C(10)−N(2) 117.25(7), C(16)−C(15)−N(2) 121.17(8). 3b: C(1)−N(1) 1.302(3),
C(10)−N(2) 1.386(3), C(18)−N(2) 1.397(3), C(23)−N(3) 1.425(3); C(10)−N(2)−C(18) 128.8(2), C(9)−C(10)−N(2) 115.4(2), C(19)−
C(18)−N(2) 122.4(2). 3c: C(1)−N(1) 1.291(4), C(10)−N(2) 1.374(3), C(15)−N(2) 1.395(4), C(16)−N(3) 1.430(4); C(10)−N(2)−C(15)
129.9(2), C(9)−C(10)−N(2) 116.2(2), C(16)−C(15)−N(2) 116.6(3).

can act as an efficient Lewis base with strong π-acid character coupling/condensation reactions 15,16 to produce 1a−c
thanks to the presence of low-lying vacant orbitals18 and are (Scheme 1). These were then reduced to the corresponding
sterically less encumbered than isomeric acridines.19 As (4-amino)phenanthridines 2a−c and coupled with (N,N-
mechanistic studies of azole alkylation reactions mediated by dimethyl)(2-bromo-4-methyl)aniline using Pd-catalyzed C−N
B suggest involvement of a Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox couple,20 we bond formation to give proligands 3a−c as yellow solids, which
decided to apply our phenanthridine-containing ligand could be purified using column chromatography. For each of
architecture in the preparation of π-extended Ni(II) analogues the amine proligands, the hydrogen in the 6-position of the
(C) to probe the impact of π-extension on the stability of phenanthridine framework resonates significantly downfield of
higher oxidation states21 and potentially with it, catalytic the remaining aromatic resonances in the 1H NMR spectrum,
activity. We report here that complexes of the type C are indicating formation of the tricyclic phenanthridine.22 The
competent in the catalytic C−H bond alkylation of azoles with appearance of a broad singlet assigned to an N−H signal
unactivated alkyl halides containing β-hydrogens, with activity similarly confirmed formation of the diarylamine unit. For
and good substrate scope comparable to A and B without the comparison, the (6-methyl)quinolinyl analogue 5 was also
requirement of a Cu cocatalyst. prepared via Pd-catalyzed C−N coupling.

■ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION


Synthesis and Characterization of Proligands and
The solid-state structures of the phenanthridine-containing
proligands 3a−c were determined using single crystal X-ray
diffraction (Figure 2). Consistent with the general importance
Their Coordination Complexes. To access the proligands of “imine-bridged biphenyl” resonance contributors to the
used in this work, aminophenanthridines/quinolines suitable ground-state structure of phenanthridines,23 the C−N distance
for elaboration into the target scaffolds were prepared. First, between the phenanthridinyl nitrogen and the adjacent carbon
(4-nitro)phenanthridines were assembled via tandem cross- in the 6-position is quite short in all three proligands [3a:
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Figure 3. Solid-state structure of 4a, 4b, and 6 shown with thermal ellipsoids at 50% probability levels. Hydrogens are omitted for clarity. Selected
bond distances (Å) and angles (deg) for 4a: Ni(1)−Cl(1) 2.1919(8), Ni(1)−N(1) 1.895(2), Ni(1)−N(2) 1.848(2), Ni(1)−N(3) 1.951(2),
C(1)−N(1) 1.304(4); N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) 170.83(10), Cl(1)−Ni(1)−N(2) 179.08(8), N(1)−Ni(1)−N(2) 84.95(10), N(3)−Ni(1)−N(2)
86.35(10), N(1)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 94.03(7), N(3)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 93.62(7). 4b: Ni(1)−Cl(1) 2.1950(5), Ni(1)−N(1) 1.8937(14), Ni(1)−N(2)
1.8511(14), Ni(1)−N(3) 1.9512(15), C(1)−N(1) 1.316(2); N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) 171.60(6), Cl(1)−Ni(1)−N(2) 176.71(5), N(1)−Ni(1)−N(2)
85.12(6), N(3)−Ni(1)−N(2) 86.49(6), N(1)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 94.50(5), N(3)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 93.90(5). 6: Ni(1)−Cl(1) 2.2094(9), Ni(1)−N(1)
1.896(2), Ni(1)−N(2) 1.859(2), Ni(1)−N(3) 1.949(2), C(1)−N(1) 1.326(4); N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) 170.93(10), Cl(1)−Ni(1)−N(2) 176.84(8),
N(1)−Ni(1)−N(2) 84.69(10), N(3)−Ni(1)−N(2) 86.25(10), N(1)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 94.59(8), N(3)−Ni(1)−Cl(1) 94.42(7).

C(1)−N(1) 1.3034(11); 3b: C(1)−N(1) 1.302(3); 3c: Table 1. Catalyst Comparison for [Ni]-Catalyzed Alkylation
C(1)−N(1) 1.291(4)] pointing to localization of imine C of Benzannulated Azolesa
N character at this site.18 The localization of imine CN π
character at this site has been shown to temper the impacts of
π-extension, for example, in emissive complexes of phenan-
thridinyl-based ligands.22,24
With the proligands in hand, Ni(II) coordination complexes
4a−c and the quinoline congener 6 were synthesized through
metalation with NiCl2·6H2O in the presence of base (sodium entry catalyst heterocycle alkyl halide yieldb
tert-butoxide) in dichloromethane at elevated temperatures, 1 4a H1 A1 49
and isolated in good yields (83−93%) as dark red solids. The 2 4b H1 A1 49
disappearance of the signal assigned to the N−H resonance in 3 4c H1 A1 42
the 1H NMR spectrum and shifts to the remaining signals, 4 6 H1 A1 61
including the diagnostic signals for the hydrogen nucleus in the 5 4a H2 A1 46
6-position of the phenanthridinyl/quinolinyl arms, confirmed 6 4b H2 A1 39
installation of the ligand frameworks on the Ni(II) ion. The 7 4c H2 A1 73
geometry and structures of the (N^N^N)NiCl complexes were 8c 4c H2 A1 63
determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (Figure 3). In 9d 4c H2 A1 55
keeping with analogous complexes such as B,10 the nickel ions 10e 4c H2 A1 65
in 4a,b and 6 sit within the meridional pocket formed by the 11f 4c H2 A1 0
N^N−^N diarylamido ligand. All complexes are essentially flat 12 6 H2 A1 39
(angles between planes formed by six carbon rings (e.g., C8− 13 4c H2 A2 35
C13 and C15−C20 for 4a) flanking the amido nitrogens: 4a 14g 4c H2 A2 57
9.43°, 4b 3.49°, 6 10.42°), but with distorted square-planar 15g 4c H2 A3 87
geometry resulting from tied-back bond angles formed by the a
Conditions unless otherwise specified: heterocycle (1.006 mmol),
two neutral donor arms [4a: N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) 170.83(10); alkyl halide (1.509 mmol), LiOtBu (1.06 mmol), solvent (2.0 mL); oil
4b: N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) 171.60(6); 6: N(1)−Ni(1)−N(3) bath set to 140 °C, 16 h. bGC yield; average of two runs. cIn the
170.93(10)°]. The Ni−Namido distances (4a: 1.848(2); 4b: presence of 100 equiv of elemental Hg. dIn the presence of 500 equiv
1.8511(14); 6: 1.859(2) Å] are within range of those reported of elemental Hg. eReaction mixture filtered after 1 h. fIn the presence
for A25 and B,10 and shorter than between nickel and the of added TEMPO. gWith 0.2 equiv of NaI.
neutral donor arms [4a: Ni(1)−N(1) 1.895(2), Ni(1)−N(3)
1.951(2); 4b: Ni(1)−N(1) 1.8937(14), Ni(1)−N(3) Comparing all four precatalysts, the 6-methyl substituted
1.9512(15); 6: Ni(1)−N(1) 1.896(2), Ni(1)−N(3) 1.949(2) quinolinyl congener 6, a direct analogue of B,10 was found to
Å]. For these latter Ni−N distances, the Ni−NMe2 distance is give the highest yield (61%, run 4) in the direct alkylation of
consistently longer than the Ni−Nheterocycle distance. All three benzothiazole (H1) with iodooctane (A1) using 5 mol %
complexes show similar Ni−Cl distances (∼2.2 Å), implying catalyst loading, 1 equiv of LiOtBu, 1,4-dioxane solvent and 16
very similar trans influence to the amido nitrogens of the ligand h reaction time at 140 °C. As noted, complex B has been
frameworks. previously shown to be highly competent in the coupling of
Catalytic Activity. We then screened the prepared alkyl halides with sulfur-containing benzothiazoles.10 Phenan-
coordination complexes for reactivity in the direct C−H thridinyl-based analogues 4a−c were competitive, but gave
activation of azoles using unactivated alkyl halides (Table 1). slightly lower yields (42−49%; runs 1−3) under these
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Table 2. Scope for 4c Catalyzed Alkylations of Benzoxazole with Alkylbromidesa

a
Conditions: heterocycle (1.006 mmol), 1-bromoalkane (1.509 mmol), LiOtBu (1.060 mmol), solvent (2.0 mL); 140 °C, 16 h; GC yield in
parentheses.

Figure 4. (a) Cyclic voltammograms (solid line) and corresponding differential pulse voltammograms (dashed line) of 4a−c and 6 in CH2Cl2 with
0.10 M [nBu4N][PF6] as the supporting electrolyte, glassy carbon working electrode. CV scan rates were 100 mV/s. Potentials are referenced vs the
FcH0/+ redox couple (FcH = ferrocene). (b) Normalized DPVs of 4a−c and 6.

conditions. In the coupling of alkyl halides with the oxygen- pathway proposed by Punji and co-workers, which involves on-
containing starting material benzoxazole (H2), 4c began to cycle high-valent Ni(III) and Ni(IV) intermediates.20 Accord-
significantly outperform all other precatalysts. Yields of the ingly, we collected electrochemical data for the precatalysts
coupled product were found to reach as high as 87% using screened in this work in an attempt to correlate catalytic
octyl chloride (A3) in the presence of NaI. behavior with redox potentials.
Having observed promising reactivity with benzannulated Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and differential pulse
coordination complex 4c, we next explored a brief substrate voltammograms (DPVs) of precatalysts 4a−c and 6 were
scope for 4c as precatalyst (Table 2). The reaction conditions taken in dichloromethane solution with 0.1 M [nBu4N][PF6]
were found to be amenable to the coupling of benzoxazole as the supporting electrolyte (Figure 4). A quasi-reversible
with a variety of alkyl halides bearing carbazole (P3), ester anodic wave between 0 and +0.3 V (vs FcH0/+; FcH =
(P4), aryl (P5), arylether (P6), thioether (P7), alkenyl (P8), ferrocene) is observed for each compound, consistent with an
and aliphatic (P9, P10) substituents. The catalysis mediated by overall 1e− oxidation. All compounds exhibit broad, irreversible
4a−c and 6 likely proceeds analogously to what has been reductions that overlap with the edge of the solvent window,
observed by Punji and co-workers using their related making comparisons of these cathodic features within the
quinolinyl-supported precatalyst B.10,20 In support of this, series challenging. Accordingly, we focus here on the anodic
participation of heterogeneous particulate nickel generated via electrochemical events. The oxidation potentials and peak
catalyst decomposition appears to be minimal, as catalysis in parameters for the complexes are tabulated in Table 3. The
the presence of added Hg (Table 1, runs 8−9) and following electron releasing tBu group of 4b shifts the oxidation potential
filtration (run 10) proceeded unimpeded. On the other hand, to more accessible potentials compared with methyl analogues
addition of the radical scavenger TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetrame- 4a and 6. In comparison, an anodically shifted oxidation is
thylpiperidine 1-oxyl) completely shut down reactivity (run observed for 4c, consistent with the presence of an electron
11). This is consistent with the homogeneous radical rebound withdrawing substituent on the ligand. The alkylation pathway
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Table 3. Electrochemical Parameters for Ni Complexes spectrometers. 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra were referenced to
residual solvent peaks. Elemental analyses were performed by
compound E1/2 (V) Δptpa (mV) ired/iox Microanalytical Service Ltd., Delta, BC, Canada, and at the University
4b 0.01 133 1.17 of Manitoba using a PerkinElmer 2400 Series II CHNS/O Elemental
4a 0.07 143 1.04 Analyzer. High-resolution mass spectra were recorded using a Bruker
6 0.16 91 0.87 microOTOF-QIII.
Synthesis of 4-Nitro-2-trifluoromethylphenanthridine (1c).
4c 0.26 147 0.92
A 500 mL Teflon-stoppered flask was charged with Pd(PPh3)4 (1.04
a
Δptp = distance measured from “peak-to-peak”, showing the g, 0.90 mmol), and 50 mL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). After
separation in mV between the peak maximum of the oxidation and stirring briefly to mix, 2-iodo-6-nitro-4-trifluoromethylaniline (10.0 g,
corresponding reduction. 30.1 mmol), 2-formylphenylboronic acid (4.97 g, 33.1 mmol), and an
additional 70 mL of DME were added, followed by Na2CO3 (9.6 g,
90.4 mmol) dissolved in 100 mL of degassed water. The flask was
catalyzed by B proposed by Punji and co-workers20 invokes a then sealed and the mixture stirred vigorously for 6 h in an oil bath set
one-electron Ni(II/III) pathway that occurs by oxidative to 130 °C. The flask was then allowed to cool, charged with 130 mL
addition of alkyl iodide via iodine atom transfer (IAT).26 The of 2 M HCl, and refluxed for additional 2 h. The reaction mixture was
lack of reactivity in the presence of the radical trap TEMPO cooled, neutralized with NaOH, and pumped to dryness. The residue
(Table 1, run 11) supports a similar mechanism here. was then taken up in dichloromethane (100 mL) and washed with
Oxidative addition by (inner-sphere) electron-transfer mech- brine (3 × 100 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over
anisms are typically associated with metal centers with Na2SO4 and volatiles removed. Column chromatography on neutral
coordinative unsaturation to bind a substrate, and sufficiently alumina gave a pale yellow solid (Rf = 0.41; 1:5 EtOAc/hexanes).
cathodic electrochemical potentials to reduce the organic Isolated yield = 7.86 g (89%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz, 22 °C) δ
9.48 (s, 1H; CArH), 9.01 (s, 1H; CArH), 8.67 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.0 Hz;
electrophile.27 The observation of higher yields for the most
CArH), 8.18 (overlapped m, 2H; CArH), 8.05 (ddd, 1H, JHH = 8.4, 7.2,
electrophilic congener 4c with a pronounced anodic shift to its 1.4 Hz; CArH), 7.92 ppm (m, 1H; CArH). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3,
oxidation event suggests that the elevated π-acidicity of the 125 MHz, 22 °C):δ 158.0 (CAr), 149.8 (CAr), 137.5 (CAr), 133.1
CF3-substituted phenanthridine ligand framework18 may be (CAr), 131.2 (q, CAr), 130.0 (CAr), 129.8 (CAr), 128.4 (CAr), 126.9
key in this context.


(CAr), 126.0 (CAr), 124.3 (CAr), 123.2 (q, CF3), 122.3 (CAr), 118.7
ppm (q, CAr). 19F{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 282 MHz, 22 °C) δ −62.03
CONCLUSION ppm.
In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the introduction of 4-Amino-2-trifluoromethylphenanthridine (2c). To a stirred
solution of 1c (6.02 g, 20.5 mmol) in methanol (100 mL), Zn dust
benzannulated phenanthridine ligands supporting Ni(II) (2.68 g, 41.1 mmol), and hydrazinium monoformate solution (54 mL;
coordination complexes maintain the high activity observed prepared by slowly neutralizing equal molar amounts of hydrazine
in the C−H alkylation of azoles observed with quinoline hydrate (50 mL) with 85% formic acid (4 mL) in an ice−water bath)
congeners,10 for both benzoxazole and benzothiazole. The were added and stirred vigorously at 60 °C. The resulting green
synthetic route to the N^N(H)^N proligand frameworks 3a−c suspension was cooled and filtered over Celite. The filtrate was
allows for facile incorporation of different substituents, whose pumped dry, the residue dissolved in dichloromethane (100 mL), and
electron-releasing/electron-withdrawing properties can be washed with brine (3 × 60 mL). The organic layer was separated,
quantified in terms of the redox properties of their Ni dried over Na2SO4, and dried to leave a brown solid. Column
complexes in solution. Comprehensive mechanistic studies, chromatography on neutral alumina gave a pale-yellow solid (Rf =
0.43; 1:5 EtOAc/hexane). Isolated yield = 3.74 g (86%). 1H NMR
including investigating correlation of catalytic activity to the π-
(CDCl3, 300 MHz, 22 °C) δ 9.15 (s, 1H; CArH), 8.50 (d, 1H, JHH =
acidity of the benzannulated phenanthridine ligand frame- 8.3; CArH), 8.07 (s, 1H; CArH), 8.01 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.0, 1.3 Hz;
works,18 and expansion of the scope of C−C bond forming CArH), 7.83 (app t, 1H, JHH = 8.4, 7.0 Hz; CArH), 7.70 (app t, 1H, JHH
reactions to other substrate classes is presently underway.


= 8.1, 7.0; CArH), 7.13 (d, 1H, JHH = 1.8 Hz; CArH), 5.22 ppm (br s,
2H; NH). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz, 22 °C) δ 152.2 (CAr),
EXPERIMENTAL SECTION 145.6 (CAr), 134.5 (CAr), 132.7 (CAr), 131.3 (q, CAr), 128.9 (CAr),
Unless otherwise specified, air sensitive manipulations were carried 128.1 (CAr), 126.9 (CAr), 124.3 (CAr), 122.5 (CAr), 107.9 (q, CF3),
either in an N2-filled glovebox or using standard Schlenk techniques 106.7 ppm (q, CAr). 19F{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 282 MHz, 22 °C) δ
under Ar. (N,N-Dimethyl)-para-toluidine (Sigma-Aldrich), 2-formyl- −62.28 ppm.
phenyl boronic acid (AK Scientific), N-iodosuccinimide (AK Synthesis of MeQuinNN(H)NMe2 (5).
Scientific), N-bromosuccinimide (Alfa Aesar), Pd(PPh3)4 (Sigma-
Aldrich), Pd2(dba)3 (Sigma-Aldrich), 2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-
aniline (Sigma-Aldrich), (1,1′-diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf,
Sigma-Aldrich), (±)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binapthalene
(rac-BINAP, Sigma-Aldrich), Na2CO3 (Alfa Aesar), trifluoroacetic
acid (Sigma-Aldrich), sodium tert-pentoxide (NaOtAm, Sigma-
Aldrich), sodium tert-butoxide (NaOtBu, Sigma-Aldrich), zinc (Alfa
Aesar), hydrazine hydrate (Sigma-Aldrich), formic acid (Alfa Aesar),
NiCl2·6H2O (Alfa Aesar), and all reagents used in precursor synthesis A 350 mL Teflon-stoppered flask was charged with Pd2(dba)3 (1.91 g,
and catalytic trials were purchased and used without any further 2.09 mmol), dppf (2.69 g, 4.69 mmol), and toluene (30 mL). After
purification. (2-Bromo-4,N,N-trimethyl)aniline,28 (8-amino-4- stirring briefly, (8-amino-4-methyl)quinoline29 (4.15 g, 26.1 mmol),
methyl)quinoline,29 (4-amino-2-methyl)phenanthridine (2a),15 (4- (2-bromo-4,N,N-trimethyl)aniline28 (6.70 g, 31.3 mmol) were
amino-2-tert-butyl)phenanthridine (2b),18 and 2-iodo-6-nitro-4-tri- combined with an additional 90 mL of toluene, followed by NaOtAm
fluoromethylaniline30 were synthesized according to published (4.30 g, 39.1 mmol). The mixture was then stirred vigorously for 72 h
procedures. Organic solvents were dried and distilled using in an oil bath set to 130 °C. After cooling the flask and removing the
appropriate drying agents, while distilled water was degassed prior volatiles, the residue was taken up in dichloromethane (120 mL), and
to use. Multinuclear 1D and 2D NMR spectra were recorded on the resulting suspension filtered over Celite and dried. Column
Bruker Avance 300 MHz or Bruker Avance III 500 MHz chromatography gave a yellow oil which solidified on standing

E https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00161
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CF3
(neutral alumina; 1:10 EtOAc/hexane; Rf = 0.5). Isolated yield = 8.23 Synthesis of PhenNN(H)NMe2 (3c).
g (74%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz, 22 °C) δ 8.76 (dd, 1H; JHH =
4.2, 1.7 Hz, C1H), 8.65 (brs, 1H; NH), 8.01 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.3, 1.7
Hz; C3H), 7.50 (d, 1H, JHH = 1.9 Hz; C16H), 7.46 (d, 1H, JHH = 1.7
Hz; C7H), 7.38 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.2, 4.2 Hz; C2H), 7.06 (d, 1H, JHH =
8.0 Hz; C13H), 7.00 (s, 1H, C5H), 6.81 (m, 1H, JHH = 8.0, 2.0 Hz;
C14H), 2.72 (s, 6H; N(C(18,19)H3)2), 2.51 (s, 3H; C10H3), 2.38 (s, 3H,
C17H3). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 125 MHz, 22 °C) δ 146.7(C1), 142.7
(C12), 139.7 (C8), 138.1 (C9), 137.3 (C6), 136.0 (C11), 136.0 (C3),
132.7 (C15), 129.1 (C4), 122.1 (C14), 121.6 (C2), 119.2 (C13), 118.5
(C16), 115.5 (C5), 109.6 (C7), 44.1 (N(C18,19)2), 22.5 (C10), 21.4 ppm An identical procedure to the synthesis of 5 was employed, using
(C17). Pd2(dba)3 (0.20 g, 0.22 mmol), dppf (0.27 g, 0.49 mmol), 2c (1.16 g,
Synthesis of MePhenNN(H)NMe2 (3a). 4.42 mmol), (2-bromo-4,N,N-trimethyl)aniline28 (1.14 g, 5.30 mmol)
and NaOtAm (0.73 g, 6.63 mmol). Column chromatography on
neutral alumina gave a yellow solid (1:10 EtOAc/hexane; Rf = 0.5).
Isolated yield = 1.50 g (85%) 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz, 22 °C) δ
9.30 (s, 1H; C1H), 8.89 (brs, 1H; NH), 8.63 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.3 Hz;
C6H), 8.18 (s, 1H; C13H), 8.11 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.0 Hz; C3H), 7.92 (t,
1H, JHH = 8.3, 6.9 Hz; C5H), 7.83−7.73 (m, 2H; C4H, C11H), 7.46 (s,
1H, C20H) 7.07 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.0, Hz; C17H), 6.87 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.2;
C18H), 2.72 (s, 6H; N(C22, 23H3)2), 2.37 ppm (s, 3H; C21H3).
13
C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 125 MHz, 22 °C) δ 152.3 (C1), 143.2 (C10),
141.9 (C16), 135.2 (C15), 135.1 (C9), 133.1 (C2), 133.0 (C19), 131.5
An identical procedure to the synthesis of 5 was employed, using (C5), 129.6 (C14, quartet), 129.0 (C3), 128.2 (C4), 127.1 (C12), 125.8
Pd2(dba)3 (0.51 g, 0.55 mmol), dppf (0.67 g, 1.21 mmol), 2a (2.30 g, (C8), 123.7 (C7), 123.3 (C18), 122.6 (C6), 119.5 (C17), 119.4 (C20),
11.0 mmol), (2-bromo-4,N,N-trimethyl)aniline28 (2.83 g, 13.3 mmol) 108.0 (C13), 104.2 (C11), 44.14 (N(C22, 23)2), 21.4 ppm (C21).
and NaOtAm (1.82 g, 16.6 mmol). Column chromatography on F{ H} NMR (CDCl3, 282 MHz, 22 °C) δ −62.37 ppm (s, 3F;
19 1
neutral alumina gave a yellow solid (1:10 EtOAc/hexane; Rf = 0.5). CF3).
Isolated yield = 1.34 g (97%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz, 22 °C) δ Synthesis of MeQuinNNNMe2-Ni (6).
9.18 (s, 1H; C1H), 8.72 (br s, 1H; NH), 8.61 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.2 Hz;
C6H), 8.06 (d, 1H, JHH = 7.7 Hz; C3H), 7.84 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.4, 7.0
Hz; C5H), 7.78 (s, 1H; C20H), 7.71 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.0, 7.0 Hz; C4H),
7.55 (s, 1H; C13H), 7.51(s, 1H; C11H), 7.07 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.0 Hz;
C17H), 6.82 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.0, 1.9 Hz; C18H), 2.74 (s, 6H;
N(C22,23H3)2), 2.60 (s, 3H; C14H3), 2.38 ppm (s, 3H; C21H3).
13
C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz, 22 °C) δ 149.5 (C1), 142.7 (C16),
140.7 (C10), 137.7 (C12), 136.1 (C15), 132.8 (C9), 132.7 (C19), 132.6
(C2), 130.5 (C5), 128.6 (C3), 127.3 (C4), 127.1 (C8), 124.7 (C7), To a stirred solution of compound 5 (1.01 g, 3.43 mmol) in 30 mL of
122.4 (C6), 122.0 (C18), 119.1 (C17), 118.7 (C11), 111.0 (C20), 110.5 dichloromethane, NiCl2·6H2O (0.86g, 3.60 mmol), and NaOtBu
(C13), 44.1 (N(C22,23)2), 22.8 (C14), 21.3 ppm (C21). (0.35 g, 3.60 mmol) were added, and the mixture stirred vigorously at
Synthesis of tBuPhenNN(H)NMe2 (3b). 65 °C for 18 h. The resulting red suspension was allowed to cool, and
the volatiles removed in vacuo. The residue was then washed with
diethyl ether (3 × 15 mL) to isolate red solid. The compound is
further purified by redissolving in DCM and passed through Celite.
Isolated yield = 1.17 g (89%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz, 22 °C) δ
8.46 (d, 1H, JHH = 5.0 Hz; C1H), 7.98 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.2, 1.5 Hz;
C3H), 7.34 (s, 1H; C16H), 7.24 (s, 1H; C7/5H), 7.17 (dd, 1H, JHH =
8.2, 5.3 Hz; C2H), 6.96 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.1; C13H), 6.67 (s, 1H; C5/7H),
6.47−6.40 (m, 1H; C14H), 3.02 (s, 6H; N(C19,18H3)2), 2.48 (s, 3H;
C10H3), 2.36 ppm (s, 3H; C17H3). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 125 MHz,
22 °C) δ 149.5 (C1), 147.9 (C8), 147.2 (C11), 146.1 (C9), 145.2 (C12),
An identical procedure to the synthesis of 5 was employed, using 139.6 (C6), 138.5 (C15), 137.7 (C3), 129.5 (C4), 120.9 (C2), 119.9
Pd2(dba)3 (0.55 g, 0.60 mmol), dppf (0.73 g, 1.32 mmol), 2b (3.0 g, (C13), 117.9 (C14), 115.5 (C16), 112.5 (C5/7), 112.3 (C5/7), 51.9
11.9 mmol), (2-bromo-4,N,N-trimethyl)aniline28 (2.87 g, 13.4 (N(C18, 19)2), 22.6 (C10), 21.7 ppm (C17). Anal. Calcd for
mmol), and NaOtAm (1.98 g, 17.9 mmol). Column chromatography C19H20ClN3Ni: C, 59.35; H, 5.24. Found: C, 59.07; H, 5.25.
on neutral alumina gave a yellow solid (1:10 EtOAc/hexane; Rf = Synthesis of MePhenNNNMe2-Ni (4a).
0.5). Isolated yield = 4.18 g (91%) 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz, 22
°C) δ 9.18 (s, 1H; C1H), 8.73 (brs, 1H; NH), 8.65 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.4
Hz; C6H), 8.11−7.97 (m, 2H; C3H, C23H), 7.96−7.80 (m, 2H; C5H,
C13H), 7.69 (m, 1H; C4H), 7.54 (s, 1H; C11H), 7.08 (dd, 1H, JHH =
8.0, 2.5 Hz; C20H), 6.80 (dd, 1H, JHH = 8.1, 2.2 Hz; C21H), 2.78 (s,
6H; N(C25, 26H3)2), 2.37 (s, 3H; C24H3), 1.52 ppm (s, 9H;
(C15,16,17H3)3). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz, 22 °C) δ 150.6
(C12), 150.0 (C1), 142.3 (C19), 140.1 (C10), 136.6 (C18), 133.2 (C9),
133.1 (C2), 132.9 (C22), 130.6 (C5), 128.8 (C3), 127.2 (C4), 127.0
(C8), 124.3 (C7), 122.4 (C6), 121.5 (C21), 119.3 (C20), 117.4 (C11), An identical procedure to the synthesis of 6 was employed, using 3a
108.9 (C23), 107.4 (C13), 44.2 (N(C25, 26)2), 35.7 (C14), 31.7 (1.14 g, 3.33 mmol), NiCl2·6H2O (0.81 g, 3.42 mmol), and NaOtBu
(C15, 16, 17), 21.5 ppm (C24). (0.34 g, 3.50 mmol) in 15 mL of dichloromethane. Isolated yield =

F https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00161
Organometallics XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX
Organometallics pubs.acs.org/Organometallics Article

1.32 g (91%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz, 22 °C) δ 8.88 (s, 1H; software.31 Structure solution and refinement was carried out using
C1H), 8.39 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.4 Hz; C6H), 7.88 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.1 Hz; XS, XT and XL software, embedded within the Bruker SHELXTL
C3H), 7.83 (t, 1H, JHH = 7.8 Hz; C5H), 7.61 (t, 1H, JHH = 7.6 Hz; suite.32 For each structure, the absence of additional symmetry was
C4H), 7.37 (s, 1H; C20H), 7.31 (s, 1H; C11H), 7.28 (s, 1H; C13H), confirmed using ADDSYM incorporated in the PLATON program.33
6.96 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.1 Hz; C17H), 6.43 (d, 1H, JHH = 7.8 Hz; C18H), CCDC Nos. 1985563−1985568 contain the supplementary crystallo-
3.05 (s, 6H; N(C22, 23H3)2), 2.57 (s, 3H; C14H3), 2.36 ppm (s, 3H; graphic data for this paper. The data can be obtained free of charge
C21H3). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 125 MHz, 22 °C) δ 153.9 (C1), from The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre via www.ccdc.
148.5 (C10), 147.3 (C15), 145.0 (C16), 140.0 (C9), 139.6 (C12), 138.3 cam.ac.uk/structures.
(C19), 132.7 (C2), 132.4 (C5), 129.6 (C3), 127.5 (C4), 126.0 (C8), Crystal Structure Data for 3a (CCDC No. 1985568). X-ray quality
125.2 (C7), 122.2 (C6), 119.8 (C17), 117.6 (C18), 115.4 (C20), 112.2 crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a
(C11), 108.3 (C13), 51.8 (N(C22, 23)2), 22.8 (C14) and 21.6 (C21). Anal. saturated CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature.
Calcd for C23H22ClN3Ni: C, 63.57; H, 5.10. Found: C, 63.60; H, 5.21. Crystal structure parameters: C23H23N3 341.44 g/mol, monoclinic,
Synthesis of tBuPhenNNNMe2-Ni (4b). space group P21/c; a = 17.2243(11) Å, b = 14.7273(9) Å, c =
7.1219(5) Å, α = 90°, β = 99.910(3)°, γ = 90°, V = 1779.6(2) Å3; Z =
4, ρcalcd = 1.274 g cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.266 × 0.200 × 0.150
mm3; θmax = 39.509°; 114196 reflections, 10645 independent (Rint =
0.0597), intrinsic phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 0.076 mm−1),
absorption correction semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS);
refinement (against Fo2) with SHELXTL V6.1, 239 parameters, 0
restraints, R1 = 0.0553 (I > 2σ) and wR2 = 0.1722 (all data), GoF =
1.046, residual electron density 0.620/−0.610 e Å−3.
Crystal Structure Data for 3b (CCDC No. 1985565). X-ray quality
crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a
An identical procedure to the synthesis of 6 was employed, using 3b saturated CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature.
(1.01 g, 2.60 mmol), NiCl2·6H2O (0.65 g, 2.74 mmol), and NaOtBu Crystal structure parameters: C26H29N3 383.52 g/mol, trigonal, space
(0.26 g, 2.74 mmol) in 15 mL of dichloromethane. Isolated yield = group P32; a = 10.2023(3) Å, b = 10.2023(3) Å, c = 17.7612(6) Å, α
1.17 g (93%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz, 22 °C) δ 8.93 (s, 1H; = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 120°, V = 1061.03(11) Å3; Z = 3, ρcalcd = 1.193 g
C1H), 8.51 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.3 Hz; C6H), 7.94 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.1 Hz; cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.100 × 0.050 × 0.050 mm3; θmax = 30.499°;
C3H), 7.88 (t, 1H, JHH = 8.1 Hz; C5H), 7.64 (m, 2H; C4, 11/13H), 7.55 37488 reflections, 6534 independent (Rint = 0.0833), intrinsic
(s, 1H; C11/13H), 7.40 (s, 1H; C23H), 6.98 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.2 Hz; phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 0.070 mm−1), absorption correction
C20H), 6.43 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.2 Hz; C21H), 3.05 (s, 6H; N(C25, 26H3)2), semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS); refinement (against Fo2)
2.36 (s, 3H; C24H3) and 1.49 ppm (s, 9H; (C15, 16, 17H3)3). 13C{1H} with SHELXTL V6.1, 269 parameters, 1 restraints, R1 = 0.0533 (I >
NMR (CDCl3, 125 MHz, 22 °C) δ 154.4 (C1), 152.9 (C12), 148.4 2σ) and wR2 = 0.1243 (all data), GoF = 1.032, residual electron
(C10), 147.5 (C18), 145.2 (C19), 140.1 (C9), 138.5 (C22), 133.4 (C2), density 0.294/−0.245 e Å−3.
132.6 (C5), 129.9 (C3), 127.7 (C4), 126.3 (C8), 125.0 (C7), 122.3 Crystal Structure Data for 3c (CCDC No. 1985563). X-ray quality
(C6), 120.0 (C20), 117.5 (C21), 115.4 (C23), 109.4 (C11/13), 104.7 crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a
(C11/13), 51.9 (N(C25, 26)2), 35.7 (C15, 16, 17)3), 31.8 (C14), 21.9 ppm CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature. Crystal
(C24). Anal. Calcd for C26H28ClN3Ni: C, 65.51; H, 5.92. Found: C, structure parameters: C23H20F3N3 395.42 g/mol, triclinic, space group
65.35; H, 6.03. P1̅; a = 7.8443(4) Å, b = 9.5831(4) Å, c = 13.4612(6) Å, α =
Synthesis of CF3PhenNNNMe2-Ni (4c). 89.4932(18)°, β = 78.5285(18)°, γ = 87.8849(19)°, V = 991.02(8)
Å3; Z = 2, ρcalcd = 1.325 g cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.280 × 0.150 ×
0.040 mm3; θmax = 27.721°; 23306 reflections, 4645 independent (Rint
= 0.0560), intrinsic phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 0.099 mm−1),
absorption correction semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS);
refinement (against Fo2) with SHELXTL V6.1, 265 parameters, 0
restraints, R1 = 0.0793 (I > 2σ) and wR2 = 0.2179 (all data), GoF =
1.050, residual electron density 1.031/−0.771 e Å−3.
Crystal Structure Data for 4a (CCDC No. 1985564). X-ray quality
An identical procedure to the synthesis of 6 was employed, using 3c crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a
(1.80 g, 4.56 mmol), NiCl2·6H2O (1.14 g, 4.77 mmol), and NaOtBu CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature. Crystal
(0.46 g, 4.79 mmol) in 15 mL of dichloromethane. Isolated yield = structure parameters: C23H22Cl1N3Ni1 434.59 g/mol, triclinic, space
1.86 g (83%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz, 22 °C) δ 9.10 (s, 1H; group P1̅; a = 6.9170(4) Å, b = 11.9707(8) Å, c = 12.3017(11) Å, α =
C1H), 8.48 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.3 Hz; C6H), 8.10−7.90 (m, 2H; C3, 5H), 72.668(3)°, β = 82.739(3)°, γ = 89.465(3)°, V = 964.12(11) Å3; Z =
7.84−7.56 (m, 3H; C4, 11, 13H), 7.36 (s, 1H; C20H), 7.01 (d, 1H, JHH 2, ρcalcd = 1.497 g cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.200 × 0.100 × 0.030
= 8.2 Hz; C17H), 6.52 (d, 1H, JHH = 8.2 Hz; C18H), 3.06 (s, 6H; mm3; θmax = 27.979°; 39487 reflections, 4613 independent (Rint =
N(C22,23H3)2), and 2.37 (s, 3H; C21H3). 13C{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 125 0.0453), intrinsic phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 1.159 mm−1),
MHz, 22 °C) δ 156.1 (C1), 149.0 (C10), 146.5 (C15), 145.3 (C16), absorption correction semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS);
142.6 (C9), 138.8 (C19), 133.4 (C5), 132.9 (C2), 131.1 (C14, quartet), refinement (against Fo2) with SHELXTL V6.1, 257 parameters, 0
130.1 (C3), 128.5 (C4), 126.1 (C12), 125.5 (C8), 123.4 (C7), 122.4 restraints, R1 = 0.0424 (I > 2σ) and wR2 = 0.1011 (all data), GoF =
(C6), 120.1 (C17), 119.0 (C18), 115.8 (C20), 105.9 (C13), 105.1 (C11), 1.137, residual electron density 0.806/−0.637 e Å−3.
52.0 (N(C22, 23)2), 21.7 ppm (C21). 19F{1H} NMR (CDCl3, 470 Crystal Structure Data for 4b (CCDC No. 1985566). X-ray quality
MHz, 22 °C) δ −62.27 ppm (s, 3F; CF3). Anal. Calcd for crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a
C23H19ClF3N3Ni: C, 56.54; H, 3.92. Found: C, 56.33; H, 3.63. CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature. Crystal
X-ray Crystallography. X-ray crystal structure data was using structure parameters: C26H28Cl1N3Ni1 476.67 g/mol, monoclinic,
collected from multifaceted crystals of suitable size and quality space group P21/c; a = 14.9402(10) Å, b = 16.7884(11) Å, c =
selected from a representative sample of crystals of the same habit 8.9308(6) Å, α = 90°, β = 98.074(3)°, γ = 90°, V = 2217.8(3) Å3; Z =
using an optical microscope. In each case, crystals were mounted on 4, ρcalcd = 1.428 g cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.200 × 0.150 × 0.050
MiTiGen loops with data collection carried out in a cold stream of mm3; θmax = 33.129°; 68772 reflections, 7415 independent (Rint =
nitrogen (150 K; Bruker D8 QUEST ECO; Mo Kα radiation). All 0.0419), intrinsic phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 1.014 mm−1),
diffractometer manipulations were carried out using Bruker APEX3 absorption correction semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS);

G https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00161
Organometallics XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX
Organometallics pubs.acs.org/Organometallics Article

refinement (against Fo2) with SHELXTL V6.1, 286 parameters, 0 Gabrielle Wilson − Department of Chemistry and the Manitoba
restraints, R1 = 0.0453 (I > 2σ) and wR2 = 0.0915 (all data), GoF = Institute of Materials, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
1.054, residual electron density 0.647/−0.642 e Å−3. Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
Crystal Structure Data for 6 (CCDC No. 1985567). X-ray quality
crystals were grown following diffusion of diethyl ether vapor into a Complete contact information is available at:
CHCl3 solution of the compound at room temperature. Crystal https://pubs.acs.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00161
structure parameters: C19H20Cl1N3Ni1 384.54 g/mol, triclinic, space
group P1̅; a = 9.8825(13) Å, b = 14.352(3) Å, c = 24.736(4) Å, α = Notes
90.844(12)°, β = 94.338(10)°, γ = 102.995(13)°, V = 3406.9(10) Å3; The authors declare no competing financial interest.
Z = 8, ρcalcd = 1.499 g cm−3; crystal dimensions 0.300 × 0.200 × 0.050
mm3; θmax = 30.679°; 97358 reflections, 20976 independent (Rint =
0.1012), intrinsic phasing; absorption coeff (μ = 1.300 mm−1),
absorption correction semiempirical from equivalents (SADABS);
■ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following sources of funding are gratefully acknowledged:
refinement (against Fo2) with SHELXTL V6.1, 881 parameters, 0 Natural Sciences Engineering Research Council of Canada for
restraints, R1 = 0.0601 (I > 2σ) and wR2 = 0.1253 (all data), GoF =
1.021, residual electron density 0.770/−0.722 e Å−3.
a USRA (GW) and a Discovery Grant to DEH (RGPIN-2014-
Representative Procedure for Catalytic Trials. To a 50 mL 03733); the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and
Teflon stoppered flask catalyst 4c (0.012 g, 0.05 mmol), LiOtBu Research Manitoba for an award in support of an X-ray
(0.081 g, 1.01 mmol), benzoxazole (H2; 0.12 g, 1.01 mmol), and 1- diffractometer (CFI #32146); and the University of Manitoba
iodooctane (A1; 0.291 g, 0.75 mmol), added 1,4-dioxane (2.0 mL) for GETS support (PM, JDB). We are also grateful to Bin
inside an N2-filled glovebox. The resulting reaction mixture was Huang for assistance collecting spectra of 2c.


stirred in a preheated oil bath set to 140 °C for 16 h. An aliquot (10
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